New Belgium Brewing Co. just announced the opening of its new bar and restaurant located in Concourse B at Denver International Airport. This newly built space features a 125-seat venue with a full bar and kitchen giving travelers the chance to experience the look, feel and world-class beer of Colorado’s largest independent brewery without leaving the airport.
“We’re excited to give thirsty travelers the chance to experience the independent Colorado beer scene inside the airport, whether it be a first taste upon arrival or a departing cheers,” said Leah Pilcer, New Belgium’s director of retail development and operations. “New Belgium is synonymous with Colorado and we’ve made it a point to create a fun atmosphere that embodies a sense of place while showing off our local pride.”
Guests can enjoy draft pours from a 20-handle tap system anchored by Fat Tire Amber Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and many of the 100 percent employee-owned brewery’s 15 year-round offerings. Seasonal and limited releases as well as New Belgium’s award-winning wood cellar beers will rotate in throughout the year. Visitors can delight in finding first-to-market beers and rare one-offs as well as beer-centric cocktails.
Complementing the tap offerings is a menu created by Paul C. Reilly, executive chef and proprietor of beast+bottle, Coperta and Pizzeria Coperta. Catering to traditionalist and culinary adventurers, Reilly’s menu at this location consists of antibiotic-free proteins and fresh local produce while utilizing local ingredients, purveyors and distillers including: Aspen Ridge Natural Beef, Haystack Mountain Cheese, Tender Belly meats and Leopold Brothers to engrain a hand-made, Colorado vibe.
“Relentlessly local American food is the best way to describe the menu, which will change seasonally,” said Reilly. “This has been such a fun project working with New Belgium, an iconic Colorado company, and incorporating their unwavering commitment to quality into everything we serve. We’re proud to showcase not only New Belgium beer, but the food and spirits of over 20 Colorado purveyors.”
Guests can start their early commute with the 5280 Burrito highlighting Morning Fresh Farm eggs, housemade tomatillo salsa, housemade habanero sausage, and local Raquelitas’ flour tortillas paired alongside the Fix-A-Flat beer cocktail featuring Fat Tire Amber Ale, mezcal, housemade bloody mary mix, pickled veggies, and a tajin chili salted rim. Many of New Belgium’s beers are incorporated in dishes such as the 1554 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Fat Tire Chicken Sandwich with housemade guacamole, and even a vegetarian option in the Voodoo Ranger Grilled Cheese.
The nearly 4,500-sq-ft dining oasis serves food all day and accommodates all palates including vegetarian, low calorie, and vegan options. A full bar featuring beer, wine and spirits is highlighted by a vibrant, bright design aesthetic. Light wood, slate and charcoal finishes, pops of bright red, and accents of gold create a retreat for travelers. For sports fans, state-of-the-art digital technology, including a “jumbotron” array at the bar, and custom branded shuffleboards which make for perfect ways to pass time during a layover.
For travelers with little time on their hands, a Grab and Go section offers a quick meal before dashing off to the gate. New Belgium also offers a selection of branded merchandise, such as brewery T-shirts, hats and globe glasses, perfect take-home gifts for travelers on the go.
This new concept is a partnership between New Belgium Brewing and High Flying Foods, a boutique, family-owned and operated company based out of Sausalito, California redefining the art of airport dining.
“We couldn’t think of a better partner than New Belgium Brewing for our first project in the Denver International Airport,” said Kevin Westlye, president of High Flying Foods. “Our shared values melded to create this culinary respite providing an amazing taste of Colorado’s beer and food scene, and we couldn’t be more proud to showcase so many thoughtful flavors in one location.”
Mike Eme says
I wonder if there are any active breweries in airports. By, that I mean actual brewing going on. Now, I will always go to a name brewing company while I am in an airport but, I would love to brew and be in airport 2 of my loves
Jeremy Kaukl says
But what about the tiny ass bar on the bridge? I’m actually going to miss that location.